Well here we are the saga goes on and the Minister confirms that there is to an Eco Town from Leeds City Region on the shortlist. Leeds City Region is a government construct that brings the City, County and Metropolitan District Councils together to look at a number of strategic issues for Yorkshire. Who LEEDS well there is a clue in the title.
In this case LCR has three eco-towns on the table. I am hearing from colleagues that Micklefield may be deselected, leaving Darringfield and Willow Green, either of which will have a significant impact on the five towns and this eastern part of the WMDC area. Real impact will be felt in Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley as people commute from their 20 or 40,000 spiffy new eco homes to shop or to work.
Our resources are scarcely able to cope with existing demands. The new Pontefract General Infirmary henceforth known as the cottage hospital is reducing from 450 plus beds at its peak to a little over 100 when the new hospital comes on stream in 2010.
(Incidentally I have just heard of an initial proposal to build a first phase of 150 new homes on the parts of the hospital that will surplus to requirements.
If either or both get selected we have the makings of huge problems and that at a time when we are about to be consulted on a further nearly 2000 homes to be built in and around the Pontefract area.
More to follow as the picture gets clearer.
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